tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34934099859826099242012-01-28T12:45:37.147-05:00Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-90678118941882272772012-01-28T12:41:00.002-05:002012-01-28T12:45:37.158-05:00

I'm SO excited to show you my new website that has EVERYTHING you need to be a balanced mom! Recipes, workouts, cleaning tips, meal menus, parenting tips and everything else a busy mom needs! Please take a second and check it out www.todaysbalancedmom.com. I've been working for 3 months on this, many times till 2am. I have to admit, getting this new website live definitely challenged my quest for

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-78470621920670612082011-12-11T16:12:00.002-05:002011-12-11T16:27:23.959-05:00

The count down is here! It seemed like Christmas was in the far distant future but now it's only 14 days away. This is when most people get overwhelmed and stressed out, but it doesn't have to happen to YOU!Today take 10-15 minutes and write down all that it is you have left to accomplish. Write down gifts that still need to be bought, cards that need to be mailed, food to be baked, dry cleaning

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-27420536269415822612011-09-28T14:22:00.008-04:002011-09-28T14:44:09.639-04:00

I'm excited to finally release my second book, Lose Weight, Feel Great! Even with Kids!28 Days to a Leaner, Healthier You!It's the perfect book for busy moms to give them everything they need to lose the weight they want. Check it out on the following link:www.amazon.com or www.todaysbalancedmom.com and order yours today!

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-1537816628095250122011-09-22T13:22:00.004-04:002011-09-23T13:33:29.229-04:00

How many times have you heard a parent say, "If only these kids would listen!"? This is one of the hardest and most frustrating parts of parenting. After becoming exhausted by saying the same thing over and over till I felt like a broken record, I've finally found one simple solution. This tip can help prevent you from repeating yourself to your children and actually get them to do what you want

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-47694928040773313842011-08-17T12:40:00.008-04:002011-08-20T17:20:42.713-04:00

With the beginning of the school year be it high school or preschool, comes a new routine and the perfect opportunity to start good habits. You can take advantage of the beginning of the school year by starting off with a plan of action. If you're intentional about how you're going to handle the new routine, both you and your children will know what to expect and be the better for it. Everyone

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-4939275696304684242011-06-14T13:43:00.003-04:002011-06-14T14:08:04.711-04:00

Even in this tight economy, most of us have too much stuff. We have stuff we don't use, need or want taking up valuable space in our homes and causing us more work, which is the last thing we moms need. Who knows how it happens but it does and it's time to take care of it by "Pitching Ten!"The concept behind "Pitching Ten" is simple, all you do is get rid of 10 items everyday for one week. These

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-44465351206805533702011-02-09T14:33:00.007-05:002011-02-15T09:33:58.615-05:00

It's hard enough to manage life with kids in a regular setting but when you're stuck in doors due to the cold and snow, things can get extra challenging. Even a large home can make for tight quarters when the whole family is trapped inside. To beat those winter blues and keep yourself out of the mental ward, you have to get creative. Taking a few minutes to plan out the days when you're homebound

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-3755641667206900022010-05-31T15:45:00.006-04:002010-09-06T12:51:58.601-04:00

Whenever I feel overwhelmed with housework and all there is to do to keep up with things in a household of 10 people, I realize I need to get our children to help out more. Kids need to do their share of chores around the house to make a home run more smoothly and to teach them that life's not a free ride. There's too much to do to run a household and you can't do it all on your own. Even if

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-66395709704422581112010-01-04T08:40:00.018-05:002010-01-11T21:24:51.321-05:00

It's the beginning of a new year which always gives us the feeling of a new beginning. You get to start the year with a clean slate and leave the mistakes and unaccomplished resolutions of the old year behind. Most people set a goal at the beginning of the year to clear their home of clutter or to get more organized. The reason you might find this on your "resolution list" every year is because

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-20133988005832212862009-11-30T13:04:00.014-05:002009-12-02T18:07:02.229-05:00

Thanksgiving's over and the race is on! Counting down the days till Christmas on an Advent Calendar can be a fun family tradition, but for some it's a daily reminder of the limited time they have to get their holiday shopping complete.To help make gift giving more enjoyable and less stressful, you must have a game plan. We all want to get that perfect gift for the ones we love and in this economy

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-42972153299932643442009-08-10T21:53:00.015-04:002009-08-30T16:14:02.310-04:00

Summer's over for most of us and if you're like me, it's not a moment too soon! The novelty of sleeping in and not having a schedule has worn off and it's time for the routines and structure that comes with the start of the school year.To make the transition back to school a smooth one, it helps to make a game plan. A little preparation today will make the start of school a little less stressful

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-84934812994830285842009-04-06T23:04:00.014-04:002009-04-30T10:29:25.187-04:00

Most all of us are watching our money these days and trying to figure out the best ways to cut spending. We're all trying to decide what's worth paying for and what we can do without. As we all know, somethings are easier to give up than others. For example, I haven't had a hard time skipping this season's latest trends or mending my kids' clothes instead of just buying a replacement, but what I

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-12945790222115309852009-02-12T11:58:00.013-05:002009-05-05T10:15:08.232-04:00

It's May now and most people are well into their new workout routines and healthy eating habits, right? If you had getting into shape as one of your New Year's Resolution, hopefully you haven't given up on it, but have instead established a new lifestyle that incorporates healthy foods and regular exercise.You're probably also realizing the importance of having an effective workout so you can

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-81671212448846662392009-01-25T11:55:00.006-05:002009-01-25T13:58:13.908-05:00

This vegetable soup is the perfect for weight loss because it tastes great, fills you up, is full of vitamins and nutrients, plus it's easy to make! As an added bonus, your kids will love it too! I like to make a double batch and freeze half for a quick and healthy meal later.Each cup contains only about 135 calories and under 1 gram of fat. If you make this soup a regular part of your diet,

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-23664689069266367652009-01-07T12:28:00.005-05:002009-01-08T16:18:20.758-05:00

The new year is here, kids are back in school, and a normal routine is just around the corner. Most people have the new year's goal of getting organized. The first step in accomplishing that goal is to have a game plan on exactly how to do it. No matter how good you are, it won't happen overnight. You need to schedule out what you need to do, and a specific time line to get your home under

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-7265626242325032692008-12-22T08:11:00.004-05:002008-12-22T08:30:37.135-05:00

In just three seconds you can transform your Christmas turkey from simply tasting good, to being the juiciest and best bird you've ever cooked. This cooking tip requires no additional ingredients or difficult cooking strategies and it literally takes only three seconds.What is this great tasting turkey tip? It's simple, all you have to do is flip the turkey over when you cook it. Yes, that's it!

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-71581199637271573832008-12-10T14:34:00.008-05:002008-12-10T17:06:20.457-05:00

Christmas Eve is one of the most exciting nights for children. The festivities that lead up to the big day and the anticipation of Santa Claus arriving is almost too much for a little child to take. It certainly doesn't make going to bed very easy. My family has a tradition that can get even the most excited child ready for bed and into a deep slumber before you can say Merry Christmas! (OK,

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-19070400605388092452008-11-25T13:30:00.008-05:002008-11-25T18:20:34.540-05:00

The holiday race is on! Thanksgiving is only two days away, the stores are decked out with Christmas decorations, kids are already making their lists for Santa, and it will be 2009 before we know it.Help save your sanity and enjoy the festive season more by giving yourself 20 minutes tonight to make a list of everything you have to do for the holidays. Then, schedule out when you'll do each task.

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-70754324043904137592008-10-29T10:37:00.010-04:002008-10-29T16:01:13.727-04:00

Here a few fun and simple recipes that you can make for your children's school Halloween party, or just make at home for your kids to get in the spirit of Halloween!MUMMY DOGS1 package (8 breadsticks or 11 ounces) breadstick dough1 package hot dogsPrepared mustard Poppy seeds* Preheat oven to 375 degrees.* Wrap each hot dog in one strip of dough, leaving about 1 inch exposed so it looks like a

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-33424808577391910542008-09-26T11:45:00.023-04:002008-10-08T22:25:26.114-04:00

Whether your children ride a bus or you drive them to school, every minute counts when it comes to getting your family up, dressed, fed and out the door. The chaos and speed at which things have to happen, can make you feel like you're running your own pit crew. Even if you do get them out the door on time, doing it with a great attitude and in a loving manner can be a challenge.Your days of

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-25159007982620602582008-09-09T12:29:00.008-04:002008-09-09T13:52:26.623-04:00

This is an easy tip to help eliminate one of life's little frustrations in your kitchen - what to do with your rubber gloves! Rubber gloves are a must when cleaning to help protect your hands against harsh chemicals and soapy water, both of which can leave your hands and nails extremely dry. The downside to this kitchen essential is they're a mess to store and many times, difficult to find.

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-38736393629303696762008-08-27T13:16:00.006-04:002008-08-27T14:19:54.795-04:00

If you pack school lunch for your children or have been debating on whether to start, then this is a must read!We know that typically, packing a lunch for your children is a healthier and less expensive alternative to purchasing lunch at school. A lot of people don't do it however, due to the time and energy it takes.Being a mom that has to make lunch for four boys everyday, I've learned quick

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-30210320981217013982008-08-18T16:00:00.017-04:002008-08-18T22:15:29.132-04:00

The lazy days, or for some of us, the crazy days of summer are about to come to an end! The start of new year can either bring tears of sadness from a mother sending her little one off to kindergarten for the first time, or eager anticipation of getting back into a much needed schedule and routine. Either way, the beginning of school is inevitable and starting it off right can make the transition

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-85140181021260530072008-07-31T19:11:00.011-04:002008-08-01T22:17:43.283-04:00

We all know how expensive makeup can be. Lipstick is probably where most of your money goes since it can easily cost up to $25 a tube, and you go through more lipstick than you do other makeup such as eyeliner or blush.Well, once in a desperate attempt to make my favorite shade of lipstick last longer because the shade had been discontinued, I decided to use a lip brush to get the most out of

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-24480784021314036892008-07-03T17:00:00.013-04:002008-07-15T15:19:30.580-04:00

Is the summer chaos making you crazy? You know, kids running in and out of the house all day, eating nonstop so that by the time you finish cleaning up after one meal or snack, they're all back in wanting something else. Yes, summer is definitely in full swing and the novelty of sleeping late and having nothing to do has worn off. So, now what?Now is the time to take charge of summer, if you

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-83823041836875162852008-06-10T09:06:00.017-04:002008-06-15T12:59:18.979-04:00

Easy, healthy, inexpensive, refreshing and tasty - what more could you ask for in a great summer treat? We all know how much kids, and adults for that matter, enjoy a frozen Popsicle on a hot summer's day. However, I discovered long ago that the options were (1) buy cheap Popsicles that were nothing but sugar, artificial flavor and artificial color, or (2) pay a lot of money for the healthy, all

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-90755311545818573262008-05-13T09:48:00.012-04:002008-05-18T14:10:32.516-04:00

It doesn't take a lot of money or effort to freshen up your look for this spring and summer! Use these quick fashion trends to add fun pieces to your wardrobe to create a new look, or work with what you already own to get the hot looks for the season.Spring and Summer Fashion Trends:1. Florals - Flora of every shape, color and size are a hot look whether on a skirt, blouse or dress. Have fun

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-3402187090596834692008-05-09T19:34:00.005-04:002008-05-09T21:18:58.870-04:00

Vitamins have been under scrutiny for a while now it seems. I never could form a strong opinion on them myself, other than knowing I needed folic acid when trying to get pregnant and iron once I was. I figured vitamin supplements couldn't hurt anything other than my pocketbook, so I'd take them whenever I thought of it, but wouldn't feel guilty when I didn't.However, recent analysis of 67 study

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-85159497934519155522008-04-26T11:04:00.005-04:002008-04-26T14:02:21.752-04:00

Maintaining a clean car while you're in full-swing parenting mode is a difficult task, to say the least. In my first book, Managing Life with Kids, I didn't even reference this topic because I had yet to find a system that allowed me to keep a clean car. Sure, I cleaned it out about once a week but I could never seem to keep it presentable on a day-to-day basis. Honestly, I was happy if we made

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-27222155634626498942008-04-12T09:01:00.002-04:002008-04-12T09:04:23.577-04:00

With spring sports in full swing, it becomes harder and harder to get your family to eat a nutritious meal since lessons, practices and games can interfere with dinner time. Grabbing a hot dog and chips at the concession stand should be left for emergencies only and not be your family's standard dinner fare.You have to think a little in advance in order to get your family to every scheduled

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-75236771792272080722008-03-24T09:45:00.015-04:002008-03-26T12:17:47.795-04:00

Results without nagging; can it really be true? Yes, you can get your children to help out around the house without having to be a nag if you implement this simple concept.You need to get creative when it comes to motivating your kids to help out around the house. Finding their hot button is key in giving them some extra incentive to pitch in and do their part. For most children, much like adults

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-37596959052102707982008-02-28T21:46:00.021-05:002008-03-04T22:14:38.550-05:00

Sometimes we get so busy that it's easy to pass up on opportunities to get together with friends, new or old. It's a shame because friends are the people that can actually help you remain sane in the trenches of motherhood! The time spent away from your family, daily tasks, and to-do lists is worth it if it helps you to reconnect with who you are and where you came from.Being with friends that

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-17195687780901341102008-02-16T08:58:00.032-05:002008-02-22T17:20:07.904-05:00

Having your kitchen uncluttered and organized significantly affects how your family operates since most people spend much of their time and energy here. Not only does your family spend a lot of time in the kitchen but guests also tend to congregate in the kitchen during social events. It's the heart of your home and should be analyzed to operate efficiently, and offer a warm and pleasant place

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-5321848603897679022008-02-09T16:18:00.000-05:002008-02-12T14:42:13.052-05:00

If you haven't heard about the latest findings on the chemical BPA, make sure you read this! BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical that's found in plastic baby bottles, food and beverage cans, and many other products. Studies have recently found evidence to lead researchers to believe that the chemical poses dangerous health risks.Risks of BPA:* breast and prostate cancers* autism* ADHD* child obesity*

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-41212489573630713122008-02-02T19:26:00.000-05:002008-02-03T09:25:20.729-05:00

This delicious recipe takes minimal effort, looks like you slaved over the stove for hours and is easy on the waistline. It's also healthy and low-calorie. What's not to love about that?Sauteed Shrimp with Peppers(Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Cooking Time: 6 minutes.)1 large sweet red pepper, cut into thin strips1 large green pepper, cut into thin strips1/2 cup sliced green onions2 cloves of

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-64928555379253372162008-01-25T16:03:00.000-05:002008-01-25T19:53:48.046-05:00

Getting organized is usually top on everyone’s to-do list when making New Year resolutions. The trick question is how to do it? Organization doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a little planning and a game plan to make it happen.One of the best ways to regain order in your home is to go room by room and do what I call an “organizational cleaning”. Even though we all clean our houses on an regular

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-47006949759309900372008-01-05T12:49:00.000-05:002008-01-07T20:53:17.503-05:00

Now that we've all eaten with reckless abandon during the holiday season, it's time to get serious about shedding those holiday pounds! If you made it through the season without putting on at least a pound or two, I'm very impressed! But for the other 99% of us it's time to kick it in high gear and start eating healthy again and get back into our exercise routine.The first step to getting a

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-29490279746334644172007-12-28T19:40:00.000-05:002007-12-29T13:42:10.272-05:00

You don't have to own a lot of elaborate or expensive equipment to develop muscle tone. If you want one product that will help you accomplish a more defined look, takes up little room, weighs practically nothing, travels well, and is inexpensive, then resistance bands are what you're after!Sure, you could invest a thousand dollars on a piece of machinery that you see advertised on an infomercial

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-90959009757768380762007-12-23T13:09:00.000-05:002007-12-23T13:52:13.848-05:00

Your kids will have a blast making this delicious holiday candy because it involves a hammer and lots of pounding. Perfect for boys or anyone who needs to burn off a little stress and energy!We've been making Peppermint Bark a Christmas family tradition because it's so easy and fun and tastes delicious. My four boys love to get the opportunity to crush, pound, and hammer away at the candy canes

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-90602603897976382042007-12-17T21:47:00.000-05:002007-12-17T23:12:07.515-05:00

In one of my last blog posts I talked about working ahead for the holidays just in case something unexpected occurred, such as one of your children getting sick. Well, last week I experienced something unexpected that was much more tragic than one of my children becoming ill; I had a friend that was killed in a car wreck. Holiday parties and shopping took to the back burner and nothing was

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-77402964983901957432007-12-05T07:57:00.000-05:002007-12-05T08:49:28.328-05:00

Now is the time to get your holiday shopping complete if you haven't already. If you shop now instead of putting it off to the last minute, you'll end up spending less and most likely get gifts that you feel good about.When you've put off your holiday shopping until the last minute, you're much more likely to shell out extra cash on a gift that's less than perfect because you're pressured by a

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-69007270750438462402007-12-03T08:03:00.000-05:002007-12-03T11:58:30.882-05:00

Just because you've put away your bathing suit and beach chair does NOT mean you can take a vacation from sunscreen. With the drop in temperature, you might not feel like you're being exposed to harmful rays but don't be fooled! You need to wear sunscreen all 12 months of the year to prevent the damage caused by the sun.By applying sunscreen you're protecting yourself against the source that

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-37870400738840792672007-11-26T19:56:00.000-05:002007-11-26T20:58:29.389-05:00

Over Thanksgiving, I tried out these recipes and they were a HUGE hit! They're delicious and easy and I thought you might want to try them out for some of your holiday festivities.Hot Mushroom and Cheddar SpreadPreparation Time:10 minutesCook Time: 20-25 minutes8 ounces freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese2 cups mayonnaise (It's best not to use reduced or fat-free mayonnaise)2/3 cups freshly

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-23933253511706869472007-11-19T13:20:00.000-05:002007-11-20T11:14:20.070-05:00

It's not uncommon to put on a few pounds around the holiday season. In fact, it's more uncommon NOT to gain weight during this festive time of year. Great food, delicious desserts, holiday libations, and then add into the equation that you have less time and energy to squeeze in a workout and you have a formula for weight gain.You CAN avoid the holiday bulge, however, if you follow these simple

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-86804231513069910842007-11-12T11:18:00.000-05:002007-11-12T14:05:40.965-05:00

With the holidays upon us, it's likely that you'll be having overnight company to prepare for. If you start planning in advance, it'll make welcoming your guests easy while allowing you to do the extra details that make your company feel pampered.With these simple ideas you can be a gracious hostess without the stress!* Make sure the linens and towels for you guests are washed and ready for their

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-7508741066676668822007-11-06T08:28:00.000-05:002007-11-08T20:49:42.021-05:00

As moms, we know our time is precious, so when the holidays roll around it becomes even more critical to be organized and efficient in an attempt to maximize the little time we have. If there's one thing you can do to help you and your family during the busy holiday season, serving a quick and easy family supper is it! By quick and easy I don't mean fast food, pizza or plain PB & J's. I mean

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-68432787806208493222007-11-01T16:05:00.000-04:002007-11-02T08:12:47.639-04:00

It's November 1st, which means that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other religious holidays are right around the corner. These holidays can be the best time of the year for your family but they can also be the most stressful time if you don't plan carefully.Being organized and planning ahead is the best way to dramatically reduce the amount of stress on you and your family. This will allow you to

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-21898189021678105932007-10-29T15:25:00.000-04:002007-10-29T17:16:43.739-04:00

Halloween is right around the corner and that means your house is about to be filled with buckets of candy and sugar-buzzed kids. Kids will be shoving Twix bars and Nerds in their mouths just as fast as they can. It's what Halloween is all about, right?And then there's Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie - it's all about food and desserts. And, of course, Christmas. How can you think about

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-82433930413252543422007-10-26T08:16:00.000-04:002007-10-26T09:51:21.594-04:00

We all know what it's like getting our kids, spouse and ourselves out the door in the morning. It's much like that of a pit crew with people working madly trying to get the car back on the race track.I've always enjoyed my mornings and loved getting geared up for the day. However, with each child we added to our family I quickly realized that a system was needed to keep our mornings stress-free

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-53210653931367850532007-10-24T10:24:00.000-04:002007-10-24T11:31:40.577-04:00

Shed a few extra pounds and never be hungry by using the “Flip-Flop Eating”™ concept and incorporating small healthy snacks in between meals. This is a great way to lose weight without really changing what you eat but when you eat it.Traditionally, we’ve been trained to think that breakfast should be a small meal, lunch a medium one and dinner the largest of the three meals. This line of thinking

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-58263755088339044682007-10-18T20:50:00.000-04:002007-10-18T21:28:20.407-04:00

I've never been a big fan of smoothies but I have been playing around with my own recipe and have found one that's a winner.It all started when I was about to throw out some bananas that were turning brown. I don't like to waste food and didn't feel like making banana bread again. I started tossing some things in the blender and came up with a nutritious and delicious smoothie that the whole

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-25665725282212472972007-10-15T10:45:00.000-04:002007-10-15T13:04:23.370-04:00

We all know that, at some point, we get frustrated at our children, our spouses, or our family. It's just a part of life. Even "today's ultimate moms" need to blow off a little steam now and then. The real trick is to know where to channel that steam so that it's productive and not destructive.Think of the steam engine that knows how to use its steam to not only get itself moving, but all the

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-16652069136712492372007-10-11T14:10:00.000-04:002007-10-12T17:57:00.300-04:00

My friend was 31 years old, at her ideal weight, lead a healthy lifestyle, had no family history of breast cancer, yet was diagnosed with breast cancer and died, leaving her 7 year-old son without a mother. She fought the disease for about four years before it took her life.All of us moms in our "mommy group" were shocked by her diagnosis and crushed by her death. We quickly realized that you can

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-328039098754151512007-10-08T21:38:00.000-04:002007-10-08T22:10:05.470-04:00

What parent doesn't argue with their children about the cleanliness of their rooms? Parents want their children's rooms neat, but most children don't put that on the top of their list of priorities. People have many different takes on the state of a child's room. Some feel that it is the child's room and may be kept how the child wants it, and others believe that it should be maintained in the

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-66865631843919037572007-10-03T13:59:00.000-04:002007-10-03T18:18:17.312-04:00

What would a mom do without the slow-cooker?You can put the food together in the morning or the night before and then have your house smell delicious all day with a wonderful meal ready to feed your hungry family.I love this meal because it's easy to prepare, low-fat, nutritious and everyone loves it!I provided the grocery list you'll need to make it even easier.Menu:Chicken in mushroom sauce

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-7035975563441584322007-10-01T11:59:00.000-04:002007-10-01T12:14:35.303-04:00

Several deaths and illnesses have occurred due to the consumption of some over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. If your child has a cold or a cough, think twice before spooning out medicine to help him feel better or you may end up making him seriously ill or worse.Due to recent reports these medications are under intense review to determine their safety. Already the FDA has stated that they

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-11262546776418600942007-09-27T14:32:00.001-04:002007-09-27T16:29:39.928-04:00

Fall is officially here! That means it's time to look at your wardrobe and decide what pieces you need to get rid of and which new looks you want to incorporate into what you already own.If you are a smart shopper, you don't have to spend a fortune to look up-to-date. You can even use tricks such as covering that summer frock with a simple cardigan and a belt to look current.Shop sales or at

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-21974589967335664232007-09-18T22:23:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:27:52.723-04:00

Every organized family knows that a family calendar is a must to keep a household running smoothly. This is where you record every event, activity, and appointment that your family has.A dry erase calendar is the best type to use and can be purchased at any office supply store. The size you need depends on the size of your family and the amount of activities your family participates in. Because

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-24079113312502668742007-09-12T12:53:00.000-04:002007-09-13T10:19:01.022-04:00

I spent 12 hours in the emergency room with my nine-year-old last Friday. Out of the blue, he had an anaphylactic reaction to something while in school. His eyes were almost swollen shut and he was having trouble breathing because his throat was swelling. I took him to our pediatrician who immediately called an ambulance and had my son transported to the emergency room.I thought something like

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-65573490323371308102007-09-05T14:11:00.000-04:002007-09-05T14:47:10.166-04:00

Microwave popcorn may have appeared to be an acceptable snack for you and your family but think again!Doctors have found a link between diacetyl, a flavoring added to microwave popcorn to give it its buttery flavor, and a type of lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans.Workers in the popcorn factory exposed to this ingredient, have contracted the disease as well as some consumers.

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-64131869470292840372007-08-30T12:58:00.000-04:002007-08-30T13:52:47.908-04:00

Most of us waste time by going to the grocery store more than necessary. There is always something we forgot or there's an unplanned dinner that sends us back to the store for the third time in one week. You can change that by following the simple tips listed below. These tips will help you to save time by shopping more efficiently. The goal should be to only go to the store once a week. You will

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-34411569755649848932007-08-29T12:28:00.000-04:002007-08-29T13:09:19.048-04:00

The entryway that your family uses to enter your home can set the mood for you, your spouse and even your children. If it's clean and orderly the mood will be a good one, but if it's cluttered and unsightly there will be a feeling of chaos and frustration.Your home's entryway is a high traffic area and it needs to be organized in such a way so it can properly handle all of the functions that it

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-12767658513355302382007-08-28T08:52:00.000-04:002007-08-28T09:06:09.018-04:00

Now that school is underway for most of us, it is time to think about how to make completing homework as stress-free as possible. Follow the tips below to create a homework environment that is efficient, productive and enjoyable.Make a “homework” drawer or box with all the tools your children need to complete their assignments. This allows your children to have everything they need

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-15486589652418396742007-08-26T20:48:00.000-04:002007-08-27T22:25:34.734-04:00

Stop rummaging through your crammed closet searching for clothes just to discover you can't even find what you are looking for. Save time, energy, and frustration by organizing your closet once and for all. Having an organized closet not only looks better, but it also allows you to put together outfits quickly and with more creativity.It's not as difficult as you might have thought.Where to begin

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-5628392158797562512007-08-25T18:52:00.000-04:002007-08-25T19:53:09.567-04:00

Walking or running just isn't enough any more!Researchers are discovering the importance of strength training as a way to burn more calories and improve one's health.You build muscles when you strength train which increases your metabolic rate allowing you to burn more calories. An added bonus is that after participating in strength training your body will burn extra calories for a few hours even

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493409985982609924.post-65157640792874894972007-08-25T18:35:00.000-04:002007-08-25T18:51:55.313-04:00

Want to increase the amount of fat that you burn? Try to incorporate “interval training” into your workout. What is “interval training?” It's the change of intensity of your aerobic activity for brief intervals that range from 15 seconds to 5 minutes. You participate in an interval of all-out aerobics and then slow it down for an “active” recovery. You can use interval training with any

Mary Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15807654106382831505noreply@blogger.com